Britton Shiso

Shiso

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 50d to harvest Upright

Fragrant and vividly alive on the palate, Britton Shiso unfurls deep, cool-toned leaves with a crisp, peppery-herb snap and a lin…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Apr 15th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 10th
Harvest Begins	Jul 30th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	50
Sun Requirements	Part Sun
Growth Habit	Upright
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	60
Min Night Temp (°F)	50
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease on Perilla frutescens (Britton shiso), and how do I stop it?

A frequent problem is slugs and snails, especially in cool, damp beds where Perilla frutescens grows lush foliage. Hand-pick at dusk, remove hiding spots (boards/leaf litter), and use a copper barrier or food-grade iron phosphate baits around plants. If you see leaf spotting with humid weather, improve airflow by spacing plants and water at the soil line instead of wetting leaves.

How often should I water Britton shiso during the main growing phase?

During the main leaf-growing period, keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged—aim for the top 1 inch to dry slightly between waterings. In part sun, this often works out to about 1 inch of water per week total (more in hot spells, less in cool rainy stretches), delivered in one or two deep sessions. Mulch with 1–2 inches of material to stabilize moisture around Perilla frutescens.

How can I tell when Britton shiso (Perilla frutescens) is ready to harvest?

Start harvesting when plants are well-leafed and about 40–50 days from sowing, with sturdy stems and leaves roughly mature in size for your variety. Pick outer leaves first; for best flavor, harvest on dry mornings and avoid leaving leaves to over-mature, which can reduce tenderness. If you’re harvesting for peak use, harvest before flowering to keep leaves at their most aromatic.

Fragrant and vividly alive on the palate, Britton Shiso unfurls deep, cool-toned leaves with a crisp, peppery-herb snap and a lingering, anise-citrus lift. The foliage is tender yet substantial—ideal for fresh use where its bold aroma can shine, and equally compelling for quick infusions and aromatic garnishes that turn simple dishes into fragrant moments. Grow Britton Shiso for a garden that smells as good as it looks, with leaves that stay lush and flavorful through the season.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 60°F and nights stay above 50°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

Expert Note

Start seeds indoors in warmth, then transplant after nights are consistently warm and keep plants evenly moist for best leaf aroma.